THE Martial Arts Institute Malvern, (MAIM) initiated a children's class in February, led and taught by Tim Cossali-Francis (1st Dan), to teach young children Aikido.

The principle aims were to establish whether young children could understand the sometimes complex concepts and philosophy of Aikido, and find a way of passing on the skills and values of such a discipline.

This has proved to be the case and six of the youngsters passed their 8th kyu grading with flying colours.

The chief instructor of MAIM, Sensei Ian Hollman (5th Dan), who examined the children, was extremely pleased at the level of competence, and particularly the attitude, that they demonstrated. He was full of admiration for their teacher and his assistant, Jenny Spicer, who is preparing for her black belt (1st dan).

Tim said: "They've all outdone themselves, and I hope they continue to apply themselves and achieve even greater things later on in their martial arts."

The Junior Aikido club meets every Friday in term time at the Wyche Institute, Malvern Wells, from 4-5pm, and is open to girls and boys over the age of eight.

The adults class meets at the same place on Monday nights, from 8-10pm.

For more information, contact Tim@Cossali-Francis.org.uk, or telephone 01684 561997.